VWCC News

Transcript Fair and Open House this Thursday

Virginia Western Community College will host a Transcript Fair and Open House this Thursday from 4-7 p.m. in the Thomas Center. Interested individuals can have their transcripts evaluated to help determine next steps towards completing a program of study or credential program.

Do you have college credit but no degree or certificate?

Wondering how far away from completion you are?

Want to explore other training options?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, this is the event for you. In addition to Virginia Western staff, employees from Jefferson College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Radford University and Virginia Tech will be on hand.

Get started today on your next step toward a more successful future. This event is sponsored by the Plus 50 grant.

Enroll now for Virginia Western’s Fall Semester

Enrollment for Fall Semester 2015 classes is now available at Virginia Western Community College. Students can pursue more than 60 programs of study from Accounting to Wellness and will enjoy guaranteed transfer to four-year universities as well as hands-on career training. Students can visit www.virginiawestern.edu to learn more about what classes are available and to enroll. The first day of classes in the full 16-week session is Aug. 24 and the last day to register or add a class is Aug. 30.

New program offerings this Fall include Medical Lab Technology and Biotechnology. These along with other programs in the School of Health Professions and STEM prepare students for careers that are available now in the Roanoke Region. Virginia Western is also working with a national campaign to help more women pursue careers in STEM-related fields. The Fall Semester class schedule can be viewed at: http://www.virginiawestern.edu/classes/index_detail.php?selectedTerm=2154|Fall|Fall%202015.

In addition to the wide range of classes offered at Virginia Western, the college boasts a 70-acre campus, the largest single campus in the Virginia Community College System. Students can participate in clubs and activities as well as exercise in the new Fitness Center in the Student Life Center. Current students and alumni can sign up for internships and receive free career guidance and employment assistance in the Hall Associates Career Center.

Virginia Western art professor Thomas to debut new work at California showcase

Virginia Western Community College art professor Sue Steele Thomas will debut several new pieces including works featuring famous Italian marques at the Automotive Fine Arts Society (AFAS) exhibit during the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 16 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The AFAS exhibit has been sponsored by The Lincoln Motor Company for 20 years and will showcase the latest creations of the finest automotive artists in the world in Carmel, California. Thomas is an associate AFAS member.

“I was mentored to be very different in my painting style,” said Thomas. “I love nature and automobiles so I wanted to make something in nature to reflect the mold of the car. I placed the botanicals on top of the car to show my imagination because you wouldn’t see it in reality. I feel like I’ve been successful if my work stops people because it’s different.”

Thomas, who is known for her magnificent use of color and abstract shapes, will feature “Alfa Romeo Through the Shasta Daisies,” a 17.5 inches x 27.5 inches gouache. Thomas uses bright colors to depict the beautiful 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B Speciale “LeMans” Touring with an imaginative and conceptual botanical overlay. She skillfully layers the red and yellow daisies over the red vehicle to make a unique composition.

Thomas teaches drawing, design, watercolor, illustration and art history. She is also the assistant program head for the art department and program head for the humanities department that includes music, religion and philosophy.

“My advanced watercolor college students were creating inspiring pieces with flowers as their subjects,” said Thomas. “Their work inspired me to use similar greenery in this painting. The Alfa Romeo and Shasta daisies were created to be equally important. The boldness of the red colors makes for an intense and rich composition.”

Thomas has won awards at many Concours d’Elegance automotive art shows across the country. Her paintings have been exhibited in numerous juried, invitational and illustration exhibits. Thomas’ art will be displayed later this year at the Ault Park Concours d’Elegance on June 12-14 in Ohio and the Keenland Concours d’Elegance on July 16-19 in Kentucky.

Financial Aid support now available 24/7

Virginia Western Community College announces that a new financial aid support service is now available around the clock to students. Students can call 1-855-874-6690 or visit mysupport.virginiawestern.edu for assistance with their accounts anytime, day or night.

Students can chat with a team member about their accounts or access the self-help knowledgebase online or on the phone.

Services at Virginia Workforce Center to be relocated until further notice following fire

Virginia Western Community College announces that its services that are regularly provided at the Virginia Workforce Center in Crossroads Mall will be relocated because of a fire on Thursday night. Individuals can receive assistance from the college’s career navigators and career coaches at the Goodwill Jobs Campus (2502 Melrose Ave., Suite B, Roanoke, Va.) and on Virginia Western’s main Roanoke campus at G104 in the Thomas Center. This relocation will be in effect from Monday until further notice.

Virginia Western provides assistance for individuals entering the workforce for the first time or returning after a break in employment or layoff. Career navigators and coaches can help individuals determine a strong career and create a plan of action to gain the education and skills they need. For more information about Virginia Western’s Workforce Solutions, visit: www.virginiawestern.edu/workforce.

Open enrollment for Virginia Western’s Fall Semester begins on Monday. Fall classes begin on Aug. 24. For more information on enrolling and to view class schedules, visit www.virginiawestern.edu.